Maduro seeks "new beginning" with U.S. after Trump takes office, invites Americans to visit Venezuela

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro said this Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the United States elections is a “new beginning” for both nations, which have not had diplomatic relations since 2019.

“In President Donald Trump’s first government, things did not go well for us. This is a new beginning for us to bet on a win-win [relationship in which] things go well for the United States, and things go well for Venezuela,” Maduro said during a special program broadcast on the state channel VTV.

The communist dictator added that his regime is willing to work together with anyone who wants to invest in Venezuela, urging “all Americans” to visit the South American country.

He also said that, after this “historic return,” Trump has the opportunity to end wars, as well as allow respectful relations with Latin America.

“We advocate for sovereignty, independence, respect for our culture, our identity. The solutions for Latin America are in Latin America and the solutions for the future of Venezuela are in Venezuela,” said the long-time Chavista ruler.

Maduro made these statements in the midst of bilateral tensions with the United States that arose after Washington and the international community questioned the results of the July 28 Venezuelan elections, in which the Maduro controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) proclaimed him the winner.

In contrast to the highly contested Venezuelan election, Trump won a resounding victory in the U.S. elections. Trump has an estimated 312 electoral votes compared to the 226 garnered by his rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

During his upcoming 2025-2029 term, President-elect Trump will serve with Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as vice president. Trump, who will take office as the oldest elected president, will return to the Oval Office noon on Jan. 20.